The appeal came from Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, during interactions with journalists at the sidelines of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations in Bauchi.
Dr. Mohammed explained that the policy, which was approved by the State Executive Council nearly a year ago, is still pending legislative endorsement to become law. “The proposed legislation seeks to provide nursing mothers with adequate time to practice exclusive breastfeeding while promoting workplace support for women,” he said.
Under the policy, workplaces would be encouraged to establish crèches for mothers to care for and breastfeed their babies during working hours, alongside more flexible working arrangements tailored to the needs of nursing employees.
Highlighting the broader significance of the International Women’s Day celebration, Dr. Mohammed emphasized the importance of using the occasion to review progress on women-focused policies and ensure gender issues remain central in governance.
He identified persistent challenges affecting women and girls in the state, including early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and school dropouts. According to him, girls who leave school prematurely are often exposed to health risks during childbirth, underlining the need for stronger community engagement and institutional support to combat gender discrimination.
Dr. Mohammed further noted the vulnerability of women during crises, citing conflicts and displacement as events that disproportionately affect widows and displaced women, often leaving them with psychological trauma.
On a positive note, he disclosed that Bauchi State recently secured approximately 4.5 million Canadian dollars in funding for a five-year programme designed to advance gender equality, adolescent development, and gender mainstreaming initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field at the Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), stressed that International Women’s Day should serve as a daily reminder of the importance of protecting women’s rights.
She noted that discussions during the celebration focused on improving access to justice, protection, and essential services for women and adolescent girls. Dr. Rafique also expressed concern over the state’s maternal and child health indicators, highlighting high maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, and teenage pregnancy as ongoing challenges.